People without an external duct
If you’re keeping your hob, look for a hood that’s compatible with recirculation and find out which filters and accessories you’ll need for your chosen model.
Who are these options for?
People fitting a hood into a wall unit
To keep your hood discreet, check the built-in dimensions, access to the filters and the recirculation set-up for your chosen unit.
People replacing their hob too
A recirculating venting hob could be a good fit for a worktop renovation. Make sure there’s enough room beneath the worktop and that you can access the compatible filter.
What should you check before choosing?
According to UFC-Que Choisir, the installation type can affect a cooker hood’s performance, noise levels and running costs. Start by choosing a style that suits your kitchen, then check the model’s specifications in recirculation mode.
Wall-mounted hood
Consider this if: you’re replacing a visible hood above a hob against a wall.
The trade-off: it remains visible, and its odour filter needs maintaining when used in recirculation mode.
Integrated hood
Consider this if: you want to fit the hood into a wall unit.
The trade-off: fitting it reduces the space available in the unit, and you’ll need to keep the filters accessible.
Venting hob
Consider this if: you’re also replacing your hob and renovating your worktop.
The trade-off: the hob and extractor are combined in one appliance, so you’ll need to allow space beneath the worktop for installation.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recirculation filtration | Confirm that the exact product reference supports recirculation, then check which compatible grease and odour filters are needed. To assess performance, look for data or tests carried out in this mode: UFC-Que Choisir measures odour reduction separately. | I can’t vent air outside and want to reduce grease and cooking odours, without relying on the airflow rate quoted for a different set-up. |
| Filters and maintenance | Check whether a kit is required, note the filter reference, confirm whether it’s included and check the cleaning or replacement instructions. Follow the guidance for your specific filter and usage. | I’d like to be able to remove the filters easily and understand what maintenance they’ll need before choosing an appliance. |
| Space requirements | Compare the hood’s width with that of your hob. For an integrated hood or venting hob, check the installation diagram, available space and future access to the filters. | The wall unit or space beneath the worktop needs to fit the appliance without making it impractical to maintain. |
| Noise | Compare noise levels at similar speeds and in similar installation modes. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the installation type can affect noise levels. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to know how noisy the set-up I’ll actually use is, not just how another mode performs. |
| Home ventilation | Check your existing ventilation system before installation and keep it running. A recirculating hood returns air to the kitchen; ADEME distinguishes this from mechanical ventilation, which removes moisture and pollutants from the home. | I want to filter cooking air without confusing the hood with my home’s general ventilation system. |
What should you avoid?
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Choosing based only on the quoted extraction rate
This figure alone doesn’t tell you how well the hood reduces odours in recirculation mode. UFC-Que Choisir measures odour reduction separately in its cooker hood tests.
Compare data for the mode you’ll use and check which odour filter is specified for your exact product reference.
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Forgetting recirculation accessories
A convertible hood may need a separate kit or filters that aren’t included with the appliance. Maintenance instructions also vary by product reference.
Before ordering, note the kit and filter references, check what’s included in the box and consult the manual for maintenance intervals.
Depending on the model, buying and replacing odour filters will add to the cost of maintaining your hood.
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Assuming a filter hood replaces home ventilation
In recirculation mode, filtered air is returned to the kitchen. The hood therefore doesn’t replace the mechanical ventilation described by ADEME, which removes moisture and pollutants from the home.
Keep your existing ventilation system running. If you’re not sure how the airflow system works, have the installation checked before changing any connections.
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Planning for a venting hob without allowing access beneath the worktop
The space needed for the appliance and the way you remove its filters depend on the model and its installation system.
Check the installation diagram and the manual for the model in recirculation mode before finalising your units.
Which brands should you check for filters?
These brand references can help you check the accessories and instructions for a specific range, but they don’t replace the manual for the model you’re considering.
Bosch
Bosch offers cooker hoods and recirculation accessories. Check which kit and filters are compatible with your chosen product reference.
- Bosch distinguishes between the metal grease filter and the carbon filter used for recirculation.
- For its standard activated carbon filters, Bosch recommends replacing them every six months. This interval doesn’t apply to all filters.
Elica
Elica offers cooker hoods, filters and NikolaTesla venting hobs. Check that each accessory is compatible with your chosen product reference.
- The brand offers the regenerable CFC0166361 filter, which has its own maintenance procedure.
- Elica states that not all its cooker hoods can be converted from one installation mode to another.
Electrolux
Electrolux offers carbon filters for some cooker hoods installed in recirculation mode.
- Electrolux states that its OdourClean Standard ECFB01ST filter lasts four to six months, depending on usage.
- This lifespan applies to the ECFB01ST filter. Check that it’s compatible before using it with a cooker hood.
Which recirculating cooker hoods can you find on Joybuy?
These options include wall-mounted hoods and an integrated hood for kitchens without an external vent. They suit different kitchen layouts, so check the filters and dimensions of the model that fits your installation.
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Ciarra CBCS6765B — 60 cm angled wall-mounted cooker hood
If you’re replacing a 60 cm wall-mounted hood and don’t have an external duct, this model supports recirculation and has three speeds. Check the installation dimensions, the exact grease filter configuration and the instructions for the odour filters.
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Ciarra CBCB5913A-B — 52 cm integrated cooker hood
This style suits a project where you want to fit the hood into a wall unit. Check the built-in dimensions, access to the filters and the CBCF005 carbon filter, which is listed as sold separately. Before comparing this model with others, also confirm the airflow rate in recirculation mode.
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Heinrich's HDU 7632 IX — 90 cm wall-mounted cooker hood
Check that its 90 cm width suits your hob and the available space. The product name indicates that it supports recirculation and includes a carbon filter. Check the manual for noise levels in this mode and the reference for replacement filters.
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Heinrich's HDU 7631 IX — 60 cm wall-mounted cooker hood
This 60 cm wall-mounted hood is worth considering if you’re replacing an appliance of the same size. The product name indicates that it supports recirculation and includes a carbon filter. Check the installation dimensions, noise levels in this mode and which filters are compatible for ongoing maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
Does a recirculating cooker hood replace home ventilation?
No. It filters cooking air and returns it to the room. ADEME explains that a home’s mechanical ventilation system continuously removes moisture and pollutants, so keep it running independently of your cooker hood.
How often should you maintain the filters?
Follow the instructions for your cooker hood and filter. As examples for specific products, Bosch recommends replacing its standard activated carbon filters every six months, while Electrolux states that its OdourClean Standard ECFB01ST lasts four to six months.
Will a hood designed for extraction always work in recirculation mode?
No. Elica says that not all its cooker hoods can be converted from one mode to another. Check the manual for the exact product reference, then find out which kit and filters you’ll need to install it in recirculation mode.
Should you choose a replaceable or regenerable filter?
First, choose a filter that’s compatible with your cooker hood, then compare the maintenance instructions for that specific product reference. A regenerable filter, such as the Elica CFC0166361, needs to be maintained according to its own procedure. Its stated lifespan doesn’t apply to other filters.